Erik ten Hag took the blame for a performance that was ‘below our standards’ as Manchester United got eliminated from the Carabao Cup after suffering a 3-0 thrashing at Old Trafford by Newcastle United on Wednesday.
The Red Devils have now lost five of their first 10 matches at home at the start of the season for the first time since 1930-31.
This was United’s second 3-0 defeat Infront of the United faithfuls in a space of days following Manchester City’s dominant derby victory over the weekend.
After witnessing his side endure another horrendous display, Ten Hag admitted he felt ‘sorry for the fans’ in the aftermath of another performance that will raise further questions over his future.
“We know it’s not good enough,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “We have to take responsibility for it. I have to take responsibility for it.
“I have to say sorry to the fans as it was below our standards and we have to put it right.”
United were totally dominated throughout the game by Newcastle United who got their goals through Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock.
Despite this result and United’s dismal start to the season, Ten Hag remains confident he has the players to turn the club’s fortunes around.
“We have to recover from it and we have to do it quickly,” he said. “Saturday is the next game [against Fulham] and we have to raise our standards. This is not good enough.
“We have [enough quality]. The players will stand up. They are sticking together. You have seen they tried but we know this is not good enough, I am responsible for this, and we have to do this together.
“To get your confidence, first you have to play and you get confidence when you get the right result. It’s only possible when you’re following the rules, the principles, winning your battles and bringing the fight.
“You have to do this as a team. The only way is to stick together, but you have to be disciplined, everyone has to co-operate and be accountable. We still sleep on this, then pick the team and the tactics.
“The most important thing is to put our mentality right.”
United who have now lost eight games in their 15 games in all competitions this season will return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Fulham.
